Catalonia prepares shared-purchase scheme to help buy 2,000 homes

The Catalan government is preparing a shared home-purchase scheme with private individuals. It has set aside €100 million to buy up to 50% of homes alongside private buyers and estimates that the first grants could provide access to 2,000 homes. The plan is aimed particularly at people over 40 and envisages the properties entering the protected housing stock after 50 years.

The proposal comes in a Catalan market where buying has become more expensive and mortgages can be harder for those with fewer years ahead to repay the loan. The government also wants to make use of homes that investment funds are willing to sell.

For buyers, it could open up a middle route between renting and full ownership, although the conditions, limits and obligations will need to be clarified. For selling owners, it could add an institutional buyer to some transactions if the programme is ultimately applied to their area and type of property.